All schools in Northern Ireland have been told to close tomorrow as Storm Éowyn sweeps in.
The Met Office has issued a rare red alert, which covers all of Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm with forecasters warning of “very dangerous conditions” and “widespread disruption”.
They have warned there is a danger to life. Emergency preparations are being made ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Education Minister Paul Givan said the Education Authority has advised that all schools should close tomorrow.
An amber weather warning is in place until 9pm in Friday as Storm Éowyn, the first named storm of the year, begins to sweep in.
A yellow weather warning has also been issued for Sunday for strong winds, in place from 8am until 3pm.
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Read our live blog with all the latest weather coverage here:
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We will be bringing you the latest shortly.
Useful emergency numbers
Comedy show rescheduled
It has been rescheduled for Wednesday 12 February at 7:45pm.
The theatre said bookings will be automatically transferred to this new date, and tickets will be emailed in the next 10 days.
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Experienced emergency teams ready to respond to storm, says deputy First Minister
She said that she and First Minister Michelle O’Neill will be in meetings across the day around the expected severe weather.
“During our Executive meeting today we discussed the multi-agency response,” she said.
“A red alert has been issued for the entire of Northern Ireland. This is highly unusual, this means between 7am and 2pm tomorrow there is a likelihood of widespread disruption, danger to life and damage to buildings, and our strong advice and the advice of the PSNI is to stay at home if at all possible.
“We have established co-ordination protocols, those have been activated, and experienced emergency teams are ready to respond as required. Agencies will be closely monitoring the situation over the coming hours as we work together to keep the people of Northern Ireland safe.
“You can play your part by following advice and only travelling if it is essential, and to work from home if you can.”
Flights likely to be impacted – airport
“To those intending to travel, we would ask that you check with the airlines and keep reviewing our website for the most up to date information about departures and arrivals. Any cancellations or delays will be a decision for the airlines.
“The airport, the airlines and their handling agents are all increasing their staffing; however, it is also possible that flights may need to be redirected to us from other airports for safety reasons, which will also stretch resources.
“Passenger and staff safety is our primary concern. All passengers should be aware that disembarkation from aircraft will not be attempted in extremely high winds, due to the very real safety risks of using steps at such a height during the wind speeds anticipated, so please plan accordingly, especially for those who may require medication or for passengers with young children.
“If you are travelling, please allow extra time for your journey to the airport and follow the advice of NI Direct and the PSNI.”
Ulster University to close campuses and move activity online
The university said ‘nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our staff and students’ and the decision ‘is in line with the Met Office guidance to stay at home and limit travel as far as possible tomorrow’.
It said experience from the pandemic allows them to move to online activity as needed in ‘extraordinary circumstances such as this’.
‘Only travel if essential’ – deputy First Minister
Red warning first one issued for Northern Ireland
Earlier today Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “We reserve the issuing of Red Warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Éowyn.”
Belfast Zoo and NI forest parks closed
People are also being advised not to visit forests, country parks and nature reserves until the strong winds weather warning is over. This is because of the increased risks of fallen trees, branches and debris.
In the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area, Antrim Castle Gardens will be closed.
In the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area, all harbours and marinas will be closed and members of the public are discouraged from driving onto Benone Strand, Castlerock Beach and Downhill Strand.
A number of others sites will also be closed, including Ramore Head in Portrush, Anderson Park and Christie Park in Coleraine, Riverside Park in Ballymoney, Garvagh Forest, and Cottage Wood in Cushendall.
Councils are advising people to keep checking their websites and social media accounts for updates regarding any disruption to services, including bin collections and the opening of council buildings and facilities.
Lidl Northern Ireland stores to close tomorrow
A spokesperson said: “Due to Storm Éowyn, all Lidl Ireland / Lidl Northern Ireland stores will close on Friday 24 January during any red weather warning that is in place.
“Stores are planned to reopen one hour after weather warnings lift in local areas, if safe to do so. Customers are advised to check latest weather warning information for their local area.”
NI could face winds of up to 100mph, warns Met Office
SDLP call for ‘clear response’ to Storm Éowyn
SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said the Executive must provide a clear response following a red warning for Storm Éowyn.
Education Authority issues update
Belfast airport warns of disruption to flights
Last time schools were ordered to close was Hurricane Ophelia 2017
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News Catch Up – Thursday 23 January